The idea behind positive space signage is that it brings visibility and shows support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual and two-spirited people, and their families and allies. It's a way to show that a space is LGBTQ2+ inclusive and gender affirming.

"A while ago I was struck that I couldn't see any rainbow or trans-friendly signage in outpatient psychiatry," says Victoria Hurst-Martin, clinical social worker in the teaching and consultation clinic and co-director of the family therapy program.

"As an ally of gender and sexually diverse families it felt important to me to symbolically let youth and families know that it was ok to be open about who they were.  Having signage that indicates that inclusion and acceptance are our values here was an important first step. After that it is up to the clinicians, psychiatrists and other staff to put that into action, and people here really do that."

In August, we held a vote to decide which poster design out of four contenders would be our final design. Voting was open to staff, patients and family members who visited the Healthy Minds Building and endocrine clinic in this time period. We received hundreds of votes before voting concluded on August 8 and our winning design was chosen.

"Positive spaces are inclusive and celebratory of diversity. Our new posters signal on the outside what I know to be true on in the inside; that healthcare is for everyone, and that our hospital campus is welcoming and respectful of all genders and sexualities," says Dr. Pam Narang, a psychologist at BC Children's working with the gender clinic.

"It is important to me to not only create safe spaces, but also positive spaces that honour and respect human diversity."